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The description below is modified from a call for abstracts for an EGU 2012 session, circulated via geomorphlist on 1/5/12. I think it captures the topic nicely.

As always, the success of the brownbag is reliant on you – please come prepared with an idea or two to propose to the group for a weekly topic. See below for some ideas.

Process geomorphology and ecosystems: disturbance regimes and interactionsProcess geomorphology and ecosystems interact at different scales and with different feedback loops. Some geomorphic processes are perceived as disturbances from an ecosystem point of view. Equally, ecosystem characteristics, such as rooting depth or the density of beaver dams can influence the frequency, magnitude and related impacts of disturbance events like landslides and river floods. Anticipated climatic changes during the coming decades will directly influence ecosystems and geomorphic processes, but also the interaction between ecosystems and geomorphology.

This brownbag seeks to aid interdisciplinary exchange and interaction by exploring these issues and the fundamental ecological and geomorphic process interactions - at any scale - that underpin them. We anticipate discussions of both aquatic and terrestrial ecology and from all branches of geomorphology (hillslope, fluvial, tectonic, coastal, etc.) including studies that:(i) quantify the importance of geomorphological disturbance for aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems,(ii) quantify the ecosystem influences on geomorphological disturbance regimes,(iii) use ecological data (such as tree rings, pollen, water chemistry or bio tracers) to infer past disturbance history and to understand impacts of ecosystems on geomorphic processes, or(iv) elucidate the interactions and potential feedback loops between process geomorphology and ecosystems at any scale.

check the schedule below for available dates and email Sarah with your topic to sign up to present

Harvey et al., 2011 Evaluating the role of invasive species as drivers of fine sediment-related river management problems: the case of the signal crayfish. Progress in Physical Geography 35 (4) 517-533.; follow up fish as engineers Science paper by Taylor et al, 2006.